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Ripple Outlines Structured Roadmap for XRPL Upgrade

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Crypto Breaking News

Ripple Labs has introduced a four-phase plan to upgrade XRP Ledger security. The roadmap targets full post-quantum readiness by 2028. Meanwhile, XRP traded near $1.43, gaining over 4.6% in one week.

The company designed the plan to address risks from future quantum computing breakthroughs. It aims to maintain network stability during the transition. At the same time, it prepares for unexpected cryptographic failures.

Ripple confirmed that current protections cannot withstand advanced quantum machines. Therefore, it plans a gradual upgrade instead of abrupt changes. The approach balances security needs with network performance.

Emergency Response and Risk Evaluation Phases

Ripple has created a contingency plan for a sudden cryptographic failure event. The network could stop accepting traditional signatures during such a scenario. It would require users to migrate to quantum-secure keys.

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The company plans to use zero-knowledge proofs for secure migration. This method allows users to prove ownership without exposing private keys. As a result, it reduces risk during emergency transitions.

Ripple has started testing post-quantum algorithms in early 2026. The tests focus on performance under real network conditions. They also measure impacts on storage, bandwidth, and transaction speed.

Development Testing and Full Network Transition

Ripple will introduce hybrid signature systems in the next phase. These systems combine existing elliptic-curve signatures with post-quantum alternatives. Developers will test them on Devnet during the second half of 2026.

The company will also explore advanced cryptographic tools. These include zero-knowledge systems and homomorphic encryption methods. Such tools may improve security without reducing efficiency.

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Ripple plans to propose a network amendment for full deployment. Validators must approve the upgrade before activation on the main network. This step will complete the transition to quantum-resistant signatures.

Structural Advantages and Broader Industry Context

Ripple stated that XRPL offers built-in key rotation capabilities. Users can update keys without changing account addresses. This feature supports gradual migration to stronger cryptography.

Other networks require asset transfers to new accounts. This process can disrupt applications and user balances. XRPL’s design simplifies the transition process.

Ripple acknowledged that key rotation alone does not solve quantum risks. The network still needs full cryptographic upgrades. Therefore, the roadmap focuses on both infrastructure and protocol changes.

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Timeline Risks and Ongoing Development Work

Ripple confirmed that no changes have reached the main network yet. The roadmap depends on testing, coordination, and validator approval. Each step introduces potential delays.

The development team has already started early prototypes. Engineers are testing new signature schemes on internal networks. These tests will guide future implementation decisions.

Industry estimates suggest quantum threats may emerge between 2029 and 2035. However, attackers may already collect data for future decryption. Ripple’s plan addresses this long-term risk.

Risk & affiliate notice: Crypto assets are volatile and capital is at risk. This article may contain affiliate links. Read full disclosure

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Crypto World

US Admiral Touts Bitcoin a Tool For US Power Projection

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US Admiral Touts Bitcoin a Tool For US Power Projection

A senior US military commander has lauded Bitcoin as a “valuable computer science tool,” arguing its usefulness extends beyond monetary applications and can support US national security interests.

“It is a valuable computer science tool, as a power projection,” Admiral Samuel Paparo said at a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing on Tuesday, adding that Bitcoin’s proof-of-work technology “imposes more cost” on attackers attempting to compromise the network:

“Outside of the economic formulation of it, it has got really important computer science applications for cybersecurity.”

The Senate hearing looked into the strategic posture of US forces in Indo-Pacific, including ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, China’s military expansion and coordination with foreign adversaries, and threats from North Korea.

Admiral Samuel Paparo at the Senate Armed Services Committee hearing on Tuesday. Source: US Senate Committee on Armed Services

Paparo’s remarks echo similar comments from US Space Force member Jason Lowery in December 2023, who said Bitcoin and other proof-of-work blockchains could protect the US in cyberwarfare.

At the time, he said that while Bitcoin is mostly seen as a “monetary system” to secure funds, few know that Bitcoin can be used to secure “all forms of data, messages or command signals.”

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“As a result, this misconception underplays the technology’s broad strategic significance for cybersecurity, and consequently, national security.”

Research into Bitcoin’s use as a cybersecurity tool comes as many adversaries — including state-linked actors — have turned to cyberattacks such as phishing, ransomware and distributed denial-of-service to sabotage infrastructure and secure economic advantages.

North Korea’s notorious Lazarus Group is one of the most notable examples of this, having stolen billions of dollars in crypto over the past decade to support its nuclear program.

Paparo’s comments came in response to a question from US Senator Tommy Tuberville, who asked how the US and Congress can lead on Bitcoin competition, noting that China’s top monetary think tank now also views Bitcoin as a strategic asset.

Paparo didn’t address the question directly but added, “Bitcoin is a reality. It is a peer-to-peer zero-trust transfer of value. Anything that supports all instruments of national power for the United States of America is to the good.”

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Senators introduce national security-focused Bitcoin bill

The US holds the largest Bitcoin reserves among nation-states and holds the largest share of Bitcoin hashrate. However, it remains reliant on foreign-manufactured mining equipment, an issue that has raised national security concerns related to supply chain risks.

Related: Quantum threat to Bitcoin still years away, says Borderless Capital partner

Last month, US Senators Bill Cassidy and Cynthia Lummis introduced the Mined in America Act to resolve that issue by bringing more Bitcoin mining manufacturing back to the US. 

It also seeks to codify Trump’s executive order establishing the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve.

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Magazine: Adam Back says current demand is ‘almost’ enough to send Bitcoin to $1M